After being cancelled last year due to COVID-19, the Smithers Art Gallery’s annual arts and crafts fair was back as an in-person event Nov. 19 and 20.
Despite being slightly scaled down and under pandemic protocols including distancing and vaccine passport verification, gallery manager Nicole Chernish said the artisans did very well with some experiencing better sales than two years ago, the last time it was held. Others even sold out, she said.
“It was great,” Chernish said. “There was kind of a palpable excitement in the air. Everybody was very happy to be here.”
In addition to people just being glad to be able to shop in person and meet the vendors mask-to-mask, Chernish said she felt like people had really taken to heart the idea of buying from local vendors.
Not everyone, though, was happy with the event. Chernish said a small group of protesters showed up to express their disapproval of the fact the gallery was checking vaccination passports.
She said it was respectful, however, and short-lived.
Vendors:
Bone Mammoth Customworks
Susan ClaySmith Ceramics
Ink and Grace
Honey Nutbrown Handmade
Partea Knits
Little Lamb Lavender
Soapin’ Up
Stitch by Stitch
Cloverfields Apiaries
Vulcan Metals
Red Thimble Studios
Hive and Honey
Stir Tisanes
Juniper 7
Kaia Tersago
Smithereens Mushrooms
Edna Zimmer Cards